BRITISH STANDARD Testing concrete — Part 111: Method of normal curing of test specimens (20 °C method) Sana TERRI CENTRAL UERARY : aso. 3376 /LB.51D 19 JAN 2006 NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PEEMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW BS 1881-111: 1983BS 1881-111:1983 ‘This British Standard, having ben prepared under the direction of the Cement, Gypaum, Aggregate and (Quarry Products Standards Committee, wes published Lunder the authority ofthe ‘oard of BSI and comer io effect on 28 ly 1988 ——— Committees responsible for this British Standard ‘This British Standard was published under the direction of the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards Committee CAB/—, Its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee CAB/4 upon which the following bodies were represented: British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd. British Ready Mixed Concrete Association Cement Admixtures Association Cement and Concrete Association Cement Makers’ Federation ‘Concrete Society Limited County Surveyors’ Society Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment) Department of the Environment (PSA) Department of the Environment (Transport and Road Research Laboratory) Department of Transport Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors Greater London Council Institute of Concrete Technology Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of High Engineers Institution of Municipal Engineers Institution of Structural Engineers Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists National Federation of Building Trades Employers Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Sand and Gravel Association Limited Society of Chemical Industry ‘The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, ‘through subcommittees and panels: British Civil Engineering Test Equipment Manufacturers’ Association Coopted members Amendments issued since publication ‘Amd. No. | Date ofissue | Comments 6102 ‘July 1989 9387 May 1997 in the marginBS 1881-111:1983 ——— Contents . Page Committees responsible Inside front cover Foreword ii 1 Scope —- a — 1 2 Definitions 1 3 Apparatus 1 4 Procedure 1 5 Age of test specimens 2 6__Report 2 Publications referred to “_"__Inside back cover fe Hst 10-1908BS 1881-111:1983 ee Foreword is Standard, prepared under the direction of the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards Committee, is a revision of 2.5, 2.6, 4.5, 4.6, 8.6, and 5.7 of BS 1881-3:1970. Together with Parts'108, 109, 110, 112 und 113, this Part of BS 1881 supersedes BS 1881-3:1970, which is withdrawn, ‘This Part describes the method of normal curing of cubes, beams and cylinders ‘at 20°C. Methods for accelerated curing of cubes are given in BS 1881-112 and ‘the method for curing no-fines cubes is given in BS 1881-113. The distinction between specimens cured in the laboratory and on site, included in the 1970 edition, has been removed. For the control of temperature conditions in testing laboratories situated in tropical climates a mid point of 27 °C has been internationally recommended. ‘When tests specified in this standard are carried out in such climates, therefore, itis suggested that a temperature mid point of 27 °C should be adopted, subject to the same tolerances as those laid down in the relevant clauses of the standard for use in temperate climates, and the fact reported. If mist curing of concrete strength test specimens is to be used as an alternative tothe method given in this Part, it is essential that the method used can be shown to give equivalent results to those obtained from testing tank cured specimens. ‘The method of mist curing used should be based on curing in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of over 95 %. NOTE The high humidity required in moit sir curing rooms ia normally produced by spraying ‘water as afin aerowol The bacterium Legionella preumophilae widespread in nature ands present {nthe water systems of many buildings. Salen pipework and chemical nutrients in the water supply tay encourage growth ofthis organism which multiplios between 20 °C and about 48 °C. naling {fected aerosols es known toute forthe trancmiesion of Legionnaires’ iocase It is therefore ‘sdvingble we maintain cold water supplies below 20°C where ponble and to tore hot water ‘hove 60°C, Coldwater tuppli may be disinfected by chlorination t at least 8 mg/L re ier prin checking the pretenee of Lana pci in nda water oppo A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application. Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations. ‘Summary of pages ‘This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages ‘pages 1 and 2, an inside back cover and a back cover. ‘This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had ‘amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the inside front cover. nd ii, ‘© nst 10-1998BS 1881-111:1983 _————— 1 Scope ‘This Part of this British Standard describes the method of normal curing of concrete specimens (cubes, heams or eylinders made in accordance wit Parts 108, 109 and 110 of this British Standard) at 20°C for strength tests at ages of 1 day and over. NOTE ‘Thisttesofthe plications refered tin thisstandard tre istd onthe ineide back page. 2 Definitions For the purposes ofthis Part of this British Standard, the definitions given in BS 8328 and BS 1881-101 apply. 3 Apparatus 3.1 Curing tank. Acuring tank constructed from any ‘material which is of adequate strength and will resist corrosion. The internal dimensions ofthe tank shall be appropriate for the number and size of the specimens to be accommodated, shall permit adequate circulation of water and shall be such that specimens can be easily removed. Domestic supply water shall be used for filling the tank and for occasional topping up to maintain a reasonably constant water level. At any point in the tank where specimens are stored the temperature shall be 202°C, NOTE! Inorder to achieve this temperature control it may be ecentary to provide the tank with aid andlor a water cling {ystem in addition tothe water heating eyoem, NOTE'2" When handling eubes in curing tanks, protective loves should be worn 3.2 Thermometer, suitable for measuring maximum and mininum moist air and water curing temperatures. 4 Procedure Immediately after making specimens (see BS 1881-108, 109 or 110 as appropriate) store them in a place free from vibration and in conditions which will prevent loss of moisture. Ifit is necessary to move the specimens to the place of storage, move them in their moulds ensuring no loss of concrete, Store the specimens either: 4) in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of not Jess than 90 % in a moist air curing room or a cabinet; or b) under damp matting or any other suitable damp material wrapped completely with polyethylene or other impervious sheeting, NOTE. The preferred method for storing specimens is that ‘eseribed ina). Whichever method of moist air storage is used, maintain the temperature of the specimens at 20+ 5 °C if the specimens are to be tested at an age of 7 days or more, or at 202 *Ciifthe specimens are to be tested at an earlier age. Demould specimens to be tested at 24 h just before testing. Demould specimens to be tested at greater ages within the period 16h to 28h after the addition ‘of water to the other constituents in the mix unless the concrete has not achieved sufficient strength to enable specimens to be demoulded during this period. In such cases, delay demoulding for a further 24 h. During this further pericd, continue ‘the storage of the specimens in the moist air conditions. Mark each specimen clearly and indelibly with an identification number or code. Unless required for test at 24h, either submerge the specimens immediately in the curing tank or immediatel prepare them for transporting to another location. Keep all specimens which are immediately transferred to the curing tank submerged and remove them just before testing unless itis. necessary to transport them to another location for testing. Immediately after removal from the moulds or f the curing tank, pack specimens tobe transported in such a way as'to prevent any significant change in ‘moisture content. NOTE This may bo achioved by using special boxes having ‘compartzents Lived with wet felt or other suitable materia After filling, seal each box or enclose it in polyethylene. Alternatively, the specimens may be packed in damp sand or in wet sacks and enclose in a polyethylene bag. Store the transported specimens in the curing tank for not less than 24 h before the time of testing. This transfer of specimens may take place at any time hetween demoulding of the specimens and 24 h before the time of testing but it shall be effected in as short a time as is practicable. Inorder to provide adequate circulation of water and to facilitate the removal of the specimens from the curing tank ensure that there is at least 15 inm of water horizontally between specimens and ‘between specimens and the sides of the tank. Continue the curing in water as long as possible up to the time of testing. Record the daily maximum and minimum moist air and water curing temperatures using either maximum and minimum thermometers or continuous recording instruments. ‘© BSI 10.1998BS 1881-111:1983 ——_—_—_—_—_—_————————————————————— 5 Age of test specimens ‘Tests shall be carried out within the following tolerances on the ages for testing. +30 min for ages up to and including 30h +2) for ages above 30 h and up to and including 100 h + 8h for ages above 100 h and up to and including 60 days #1 day for ages above 60 days. ‘The ages shall be calculated from the time of adding the water to the other materials in the concrete NOTE 1, Prefered ages for testing are 1,2, 8,7, 14 land 28 days, 13 and 26 weeks and I yea NOTE2 Ifthe test results are used tocompare the performance of diffrent teeting machines closer tolerances may be ‘appropriate. 6 Report 6.1 General. The report shall affirm that the specimens were cured in accordance with this Part of this British Standard. The report shall state whether or not a certificate of sampling and specimen preparation is available. If available, a copy of the certificate shall be provided. 6.2 Information to be included in the report 6.2.1 Mandatory information. The following information shall be included in the test report: ) identification number or eodes of specimens; +) location of moist air curing; ©) method of moist air curing; @) period of moist air curing; ¢) maximum and minimum moist air and water curing temperatures; certificate that curing has been carried out in accordance with this Part of this standard, 6.2.2 Optional information. If requested the following information shall be included in the test report: 8) time of adding the water to the other materials in the conerete mix; b) time of making specimens; ©) time of immersion of specimens in curing tank(s), if applicable; 4) time of removal of specimens from curing tank(6), if applicable; ©) temperature record during moist air curing; temperature record during water curing; £8) age(s) at which specimens are to be tested. ‘© BSI 10-1908BS 1881-111:1983 Publications referred to BS 1881, Testing concrete. BS 1881-101, Method of sampling fresh concrete on site. BS 1881-108, Method for making test cubes out of fresh concrete. BS 1881-109, Method for making test beams out of fresh concrete. BS 1881-110, Method for making test cylinders out of fresh concrete. BS 1881-112, Methods of accelerated curing of test cubes". BS 1881-113, Method of making and curing no-fines test cubes” BS 6828, Methods for specifying concrete, including ready-mixed concrete. ‘Referred to inthe foreword only, © BSI 10-1998‘989 Chiswick High Road WaAAL ————— BSI — British Standards Institution [BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level I is, incorporated by Royal Charter. Revisions British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions. It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We ‘would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this British Standard would inform the Secretary ofthe technical committee responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel 020 £996 9000. ‘Fac 020 8906 7400. 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